How hard is Loch Fell?

Loch Fell is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 564m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Boot-flattened sheep paths weave between bog cotton and old peat hags.

Where do I park for Loch Fell?

Standard parking is at NT173059 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Loch Fell?

The standard good-weather months for Loch Fell are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Loch Fell?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Loch Fell?

Loch Fell is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 564m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Boot-flattened sheep paths weave between bog cotton and old peat hags.

Where do I park for Loch Fell?

Standard parking is at NT173059 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Loch Fell?

The standard good-weather months for Loch Fell are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Loch Fell?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Borders

Loch Fell

Loch Fell crowns the small group of hills west of the Ettrick Pen plateau, looking down to the quiet hollow of Loch of the Lowes and Saint Mary's Loch. The top is barely a swelling on a broad grassy roof, marked by a wee pile of stones north of the watershed fence.

Quick facts

Height: 688.3m/ 2258ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 564 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT170047
Parking: NT173059
Nearest city: Dumfries
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

grass moorland 80% · heather patches 15% · summit area 5%

13km · 564m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Most ascents start from Tushielaw or the Berrybush road, taking a long forest break onto the open ridge. Around 12km return with 500m of climb. Often combined with Wind Fell to its east.

Terrain

Boot-flattened sheep paths weave between bog cotton and old peat hags. The fence on the watershed is the dependable navigation feature.

In winter

Heavy drifting in the leeward bowls north of the summit when wind comes off the Solway. Frozen peat hags become brutal travel; in a thaw the whole upper plateau turns to a porridge.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 47m
Edinburgh2h 40m

Parking: NT173059

OS maps: OS Landranger 79

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Southern Uplands moorland viewpoint.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 50mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:41
Sunset: 21:41
Civil dawn: 03:46
Civil dusk: 22:36

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Loch Fell on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Tweedbank station

Borders Railway terminus; Eildon Hills, Melrose, Tweed Valley

49km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Loch Fell — common questions

How hard is Loch Fell?: Loch Fell is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 564m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Boot-flattened sheep paths weave between bog cotton and old peat hags.
Where do I park for Loch Fell?: Standard parking is at NT173059 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Loch Fell?: The standard good-weather months for Loch Fell are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
Can I bring my dog up Loch Fell?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is there mobile signal on Loch Fell?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Southern Uplands moorland viewpoint.
Is Loch Fell safe in winter?: Heavy drifting in the leeward bowls north of the summit when wind comes off the Solway. Frozen peat hags become brutal travel; in a thaw the whole upper plateau turns to a porridge.